You don’t need a lot to create a great image

Within the last 5 months or so, I made the decision to take a break from being the main photographer for our portrait business here at Trystan Photography, so that I could focus on my boudoir photography, LBoudoir, something I’ve always been incredibly passionate about.

I’ve still been taking some portraits this year… back home in Iowa for friends and family, long term clients, etc… and today while processing a photo for one of these sessions, I had an epiphany that I wanted to share.

I’ll be honest, the last couple of years have been tough, I started feeling a little drowned out by all of the amazing portrait photographers out there, and the level of competition there is when it comes to trying to keep up with the next coolest trend. Who has the newest funky piece of furniture to put a sleeping baby on, or what damask background looks the best with the 50 different fun hats you might have available for clients to choose from, or all the beautiful studio spaces photographers have out there, with exposed brick and natural light galore! It all gets very overwhelming to try and stay up to par with in this market. Don’t get me wrong, I do use some funky furniture and damask backgrounds for my boudoir portraits, but let’s be honest, that’s not what anyone is looking at when they look at this type of photography anyway, lol!

I decided that I needed to step back and hand over the reins to our very talented Kim Harms here at Trystan Photography. I needed a break to focus on the boudoir, and at this moment, I am very thankful that I have. While processing this photo (which I adore) that I shot of neighbors yesterday, I continue to realize … I just have a more simple style, and I am proud of that. I took this shot at my house, next to my boring French doors on the lower level of our split level suburban house. I threw some sheer curtains on the doors and the floor, had the family wear what they were most comfy in, and took the shot (I did tell them all to look at the baby though, lol). I really feel that less is more sometimes when it comes to capturing a beautiful image.  A huge influence I’ve had in leading me to this philosophy/style of photography, is owed to my dear friend and very talented photographer Mindy Myers. We once used a shower curtain as a softbox at an indoor photo shoot that I assisted her on, and it worked awesome, I’m telling you!!!!!!

I can’t even imagine how overwhelming it is to be a new photographer starting out in this business, and I just really wanted to share this little break through I had!

Now, I will get back to working on my boudoir stuff… which I haven’t blogged on for a month now. Did I mention I shoot weddings too…lol! Tis the season.